New research by the Wildlife Trusts reveals that nearly half of all parliamentary constituencies in England have poor access to nature, despite a government goal to ensure everyone is within a 15-minute walk of a green or blue space. The study, conducted with the Liberal Democrats for Nature and Climate (LDNC), found that 238 of England’s 538 constituencies—44% in total—have 20% or more of their local properties located more than 15 minutes from green or blue spaces. Seven of the 10 most economically deprived areas also fell into this category of low access, highlighting a link between economic and environmental inequality. The Wildlife Trusts has submitted a green paper to the government, urging faster progress on Labour’s promise to improve nature access and promote biodiversity. This comes after a summer of extreme heat in England, with temperatures reaching 38°C in some areas, underscoring the need for natural spaces that provide shade and cooling. Matthew Browne, head of public affairs at the Wildlife Trusts, compared the current situation to Victorian times, when public parks were built to combat pollution and poor living conditions. He called for similar urgency in addressing today’s environmental challenges. Despite government commitments, the promised access-to-nature green paper has not yet been published. The Wildlife Trusts is calling for several actions, including making it easier for local authorities to buy land for nature access, treating natural spaces as essential infrastructure, and requiring developers to create climate-friendly housing. They also want statutory rights to access major rivers in urban areas and more funding for the maintenance of green spaces. Public feedback collected by the Wildlife Trusts showed the importance of natural spaces during heatwaves. Many people described how walking in local woods or parks helped them stay cool. Others highlighted the health benefits of nature, particularly for those with mobility or mental health challenges. Dom Higgins, head of health and education at the Wildlife Trusts, emphasized the role of nature in improving both physical and mental health. He cited research showing that living near green spaces can lower blood pressure and improve the health of children and pregnant women. The Wildlife Trusts report noted that, despite growing scientific evidence, access to nature remains unequal across the UK. Last year, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs held expert workshops to shape proposals for improving access to nature, but the promised green paper has yet to be published. A government spokesperson stated that the government is focused on restoring nature and increasing access to green spaces, including new walking routes and coastal paths.